The belief that films with male actors as the main leads tend to perform better at the box office has been one of the main driving factors behind the prevalence of male leads in Bollywood films. While the issue of gender disparity in Bollywood has been under scrutiny and debate for many years, Zoya Akhtar recently expressed that female actors themselves are not willing to bear the responsibility of carrying films on their own.
In a recent conversation with Film Companion, Zoya shared her perspective based on her personal experience when the topic of women leading major projects arose. She revealed that many actresses are hesitant to take on the role of leading films, and the first question they ask is ‘who is the male protagonist in the film?’
Though there has been significant progress in the film industry in terms of providing more opportunities for female actors and portraying diverse and empowered female characters, there still exists a noticeable imbalance in the number of films with male leads compared to those with female leads. However, Zoya believes that female actors themselves are apprehensive and often lack interest. They would rather be part of a film led by a big male star than carry a film on their own.
Zoya’s response came in response to director Hansal Mehta’s observation that while Sanjay Leela Bhansali managed to create a film like Gangubai Kathiawadi with Alia Bhatt in the lead, not many filmmakers have access to such financing.
Meanwhile, Zoya’s upcoming film The Archies will introduce seven newcomers – Agastya Nanda, Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Mihir Ahuja, Vedang Raina, Aditi ‘Dot’ Saigal, Yuvraj Menda.
It is a teenage musical comedy film based on the American comic book series of the same name produced by Tiger Baby Productions and directed by Zoya Akhtar. The film is scheduled to release on December 7 on the streaming platform.
In a recent conversation with Film Companion, Zoya shared her perspective based on her personal experience when the topic of women leading major projects arose. She revealed that many actresses are hesitant to take on the role of leading films, and the first question they ask is ‘who is the male protagonist in the film?’
Though there has been significant progress in the film industry in terms of providing more opportunities for female actors and portraying diverse and empowered female characters, there still exists a noticeable imbalance in the number of films with male leads compared to those with female leads. However, Zoya believes that female actors themselves are apprehensive and often lack interest. They would rather be part of a film led by a big male star than carry a film on their own.
Zoya’s response came in response to director Hansal Mehta’s observation that while Sanjay Leela Bhansali managed to create a film like Gangubai Kathiawadi with Alia Bhatt in the lead, not many filmmakers have access to such financing.
Meanwhile, Zoya’s upcoming film The Archies will introduce seven newcomers – Agastya Nanda, Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Mihir Ahuja, Vedang Raina, Aditi ‘Dot’ Saigal, Yuvraj Menda.
It is a teenage musical comedy film based on the American comic book series of the same name produced by Tiger Baby Productions and directed by Zoya Akhtar. The film is scheduled to release on December 7 on the streaming platform.
Suhana Khan, Agastya Nanda and others attend Vikram Phadnis’ birthday party
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